I'm finishing up a morning shift of 36s, where I had a generally terrific time. The 36 fascinates because it is unlike other routes for a number of reasons- it's one of the busiest, as the only route with 10 minute service 6 days a week- but it's a residential route at the same time. Its population has aged quite a bit, and is mostly non-English speaking. It also happens to have a rather terrible schedule, problematic bathrooms, and a sore need for bigger buses. The cumulative result makes for an experience that's very involving but also a bit distant; interactions are limited by the constrained quantities of space and time. Anyway. The shift was still reasonably great. That's not the subject of this post, however. As I was turning the bus around on the Lenora Street turnback wire, and passing by the 49 layover, where the 49 begins its route to the U District, the coordinator called me and asked if I wanted to drive an extra trip on the 49 to the U District. He phrased the question as if he were asking me a great hardship, obviously not knowing who I am: "we were wondering if uh, you might want to drive an outbound 49, or if maybe you're busy and you'd rather not-" "OF COURSE I want to drive an outbound 49! Thank you, for that wonderful opportunity!" I'm thrilled. As we hash out the details, he explains that a single trip on the outbound 49 is needed, and after that I can just deadhead back to base. There's no need for a return trip inbound, which has already been filled. As I pull into the first zone at 4th and Pike, it's clear there hasn't been a bus in a while. The mob there is often large, but today it's several times larger than I've ever seen it- about 75-90 disgruntled students and others, at minimum. I open both doors and they pile in, forming a standing load after leaving the first stop! I'm thrilled. Big Man Bryan gets on at Broadway. "You're not Josie," he hollers jovially. Josie's the regular driver (and a great one). "Yeah, I look a little different today, huh?""Just a little!" Bryan is a friendly soul. He finds a place somewhere behind me and we holler at each other about various trifles- the 70 going back on the wire, or the fact that I saw him less than 24 hours ago. All those SCCC students back there are pretty quiet, but we don't care. We're too busy being excited, and plus, it's past 10am!

When the bus is this crowded, the mood can turn exciting, and it feels okay to be loud. Laughter from our conversation fills in the edges of my announcements. "Here's Mercer Street, sadly our last stop on Broadway..." I'm already excited from getting to do an extra route, and the crowd, along with Bruce being here, makes everything feel comfortable. I see an homeless Asian man grinning from ear to ear, looking at us in the mirror, reveling in this house of mirth.At the end of the line, my instructions were to drive empty back to the base. However, being in a trolley bus, the fastest way to do that from the U-District, aside from the currently dead 70 wire, is simply to drive along the 49 wire. Wouldn't it make sense to simply drive the 49 in service? You know, just for fun? But what if something unsafe happened along the route? I wouldn't be able to call for help. Decisions. I can't write about what happened next, but I will speak about it during my talk at my upcoming show. The show opens June 13 at 6pm, and my talk will be at 8. Hope to see you there!

Writing about your passengers (I have been told/warned) is profoundly inappropriate. People whom you may write about my recognize themselves in your online articles. Using your paid time as an Operator to gather material for your blog is inappropriate and likely in violation of King County policy regarding use of social media.

Do what you want to do, but being "Commendation Nathan" wont protect you forever.

People who ride your buses have a reasonable expectation of not having your interactions with them broadcast on the internet. Be very, very careful.

Reply

Nathan Vass

6/12/2013 01:26:59 am

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your cautionary comments as always. Luckily I don't use my paid time to gather information, but rather to drive the bus, and as for King County policy regarding social media, my chiefs and I have been over the subject together and are in agreement.

None of my comments about people violate privacy rules, as this is a field I know something about, but you do well to keep the subject on my mind.

The blog, commendations- these are not priorities for me. I don't go out there looking for stories. If something happens that, afterwards, I can't help but want to share, I do so with fairness and respect to everyone, while keeping in mind the legalities concerning all parties.

Having a good time driving the bus, and doing it well, are what occupy my mind when I'm on duty. That's the priority for me.

Thanks for your concern. I'll keep your comments in mind. And don't forget to say hi at the base- I keep waving to you on the road, but no dice!

Best,
Nathan

Reply

Jeff

9/23/2013 04:13:41 am

Will you be driving the 36 again in the mornings? I miss having you as our driver! You are the best driver I've had going to work! Keep up the good work sir! Take care!

Reply

Nathan

9/24/2013 05:51:55 am

Jeff,

Thank you!!! I'll be spending the winter on the 358 and various other north-end routes, but come February I'll be right back in downtown on the trolleys, where I'll very likely find myself on the 36! The trolley routes are my favorite, and typically what I do all the time, but I couldn't resist one last chance to do the 358 before it is retired forever (and replaced by RapidRide). Always feel free to say hi!